Carlow County Council to bring twelve Carlow businesses to European exhibition

Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office are giving up to twelve Carlow-based businesses the opportunity to travel to Birmingham for Mach 2024.

Mach 2024 is one of the largest exhibition events for manufacturing and engineering businesses in Europe.

It is a biennial exhibition which brings together all the best innovations and latest developments to come from the manufacturing technologies sectors under one roof.

Mach 2024 will take place in the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 15th to 19th April 2024.

The Local Enterprise Office Carlow will lead a group of Carlow engineering and manufacturing businesses on a one day networking and educational visit to Mach on Tuesday the 16th of April 2024.

Welcoming the support for County Carlow SMEs, Cllr. Andrea Dalton, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said, 'I’m delighted to see this support as part of our 2024 business support programme with the Local Enterprise Office. These gatherings are not just exhibitions of products; they are windows into education and innovation and help Carlow SMEs to foster a competitive edge in the global arena.'

Sarah Byrne, Business Advisor at Carlow County Council's Local Enterprise Office, emphasized the importance of networking for business growth, stating, 'Networking is an essential part of the growth strategy of any business. MACH 2024 provides a unique platform for Carlow businesses to connect with industry leaders and explore potential collaborations.'

'We are excited to lead a group of Carlow engineering and manufacturing businesses on a 1-day networking and educational visit to MACH on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The Local Enterprise Office will heavily subsidize the cost of this trip, making it an affordable opportunity for businesses to expand their networks.'

The Local Enterprise Office will heavily subsidise the cost of this trip for each participating business. The fee for those participating will be €40 which includes, transfers to and from Dublin Airport, the costs of flights from Dublin to Birmingham and entry to the exhibition.

Participating businesses will be responsible for covering the costs of their own subsistence.
 
Expressions of interest are now being taken by the Local Enterprise Office from businesses interested in participating in this networking and educational trip.

• Businesses must be located in Co. Carlow and in the engineering or manufacturing sectors.  
• Applicants must be trading for over 1 year and have at least 2 employees.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest will be 12 noon on Tuesday 6th February 2024
 
The Local Enterprise Office will shortlist from the businesses who submit expressions of interest to select those who are in a position to benefit most from participating. 

Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer, said, 'These educational missions are invaluable opportunities for companies and individuals to develop their network of contacts, explore market trends, and learn from international experts.'

Linda continued to say that seminars at International shows are not just about gaining knowledge; it's a dynamic experience that fuels inspiration, connects you with industry thought leaders, and opens doors to new possibilities. It's the fast track to staying ahead in a constantly evolving business landscape.